KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Strong, the organization that sponsored a number of events and fundraisers after a deadly mass-shooting in the community and a collision involving a pickup north of the city that killed five bicyclists a few months later, will be staging a memorial Monday night.
It’s also expected to be the kick-off for a new drive called “Forever Strong” to fund a permanent memorial to the victims of the both tragedies. It gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at Wings Event Center. Tickets are required but free.
A vigil for the shooting victims in Kalamazoo was held on Sunday, not only to remember the victims of the mass-murder, but for all those who have died by gun. Six were killed during the rampage last February. A mother and a teenager were wounded.
Those at the vigil were also urged to write their lawmakers demanding they pass responsible gun laws.It was the third year for the event at the Second Baptist Church, and gave the survivors a chance to come to the podium to announce the name of their lost loved one.
Laurie Smith and Nate and Laura Hawthorne all lost someone in the mass-shooting. They all said that the memories of that day are as fresh as if they had just happened yesterday.
